PRESIDENT HICHILEMA IS TAKING THE COUNTRY INTO CIVIL UNREST
Saturday 6th December 2025,
The recent serious post-election conflicts witnessed in the neighbouring states of Mozambique and Tanzania, saw wide-spread violence, looting and riots, needless loss of life, damage to public and private property, and the subsequent threats to the countries’ national peace, security, and stability, provide credible insights, fear and prediction to where Zambia is going into in 2026.
Sadly for the Sahel and parts of West Africa Region, we have recently witnessed grave turn of events where post-election conflicts and poor handling of the electoral process have led to military coups, often triggered by disputed results, lack of electoral credibility, insecurity, especially with legacy issues such economic hardships as seen in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Gabon, and Sudan
The seizure of power, using the excuse and citing failure to deliver democracy or credible elections and stability, have instead seen the worsening of human rights and governance and the installation of military dictatorships in these countries-the very serious issues that credible, democratic and transparent elections and fair electoral process are designed to cure and prevent.
The mishandling of pre-election issues and concerns have shown that they spawn deadly consequences and now threaten the democratization process that Zambia and Africa embarked on.
It must be stated without any fancy illusions or pretence, that President Hakainde Hichilema has been both methodical and systematic in setting up a dangerous stage for Zambia to degenerate into civil unrest.
He has embarked on a clear path to undermine and destroy democracy and the Rule of Law by attempting to steal, kill and destroy the largest Opposition party in Zambia-the Patriotic Front (PF).
This action alone has undermined the multi-party character of our democratic nation.
He has enacted extremely draconian laws, relived such archaic and anti-democratic laws such as seditious laws.
He recently hijacked legsilation against cyber security and cyber crimes to weaponise them against speech and freedom of expression.
Even mundane legislative amendments to laws such as ZNBC and IBA Acts have seen provisions placed on to undermine freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
From the onset, he appointed stooges, UPND loyal cadres to head both Parliament and the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
Wherever he found professional public workers such as the Chief Registrar of Societies, Thandiwe Phiri-Mhende, who attempted to prevent the breaking of the law, they were forcibly removed from their offices and positions to pave way for the lawlessness that occurred and prevails.
To control the Judiciary totally, President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed a significant number of judges, and by 2025, over 50 new judges across various superior courts (High Court, Court of Appeal, Constitutional Court) since he took office, including major batches like 20 in early 2023 and another large group of 27 in one instance, aiming to reshape Zambia’s judiciary.
The Judges did not go through a competitive and public process and many were poorly qualified to hold the positions.
The recent events surrounding Bill 7, a proposed law to extensively change the governance framework, including: Expansion of Parliament: Increasing the number of constituency-based seats in the National Assembly from 156 to 211,remove two-term limits for local government leaders, and revise nominations and electoral procedures.
These changes are dramatic and extensive and cannot be done without establishing a legal framework, engage in a broad consultative process and gain acceptance among key stakeholders.
Despite the Constitutional Court striking down this Bill 7, both Government and The Speaker of the National Assembly refused to comply with court orders and kept the Bill active on the floor of the House.
State House embarked on a hurried and what later became a sham process by appointing a motley group they purported was a Technical Committee on the constitution-making process, and without enacting supporting legal framework and giving the Committee an impossible deadline, were it was made to conduct what they purport were a consultative process.
Sadly both the Draft Constitution and Report emerging from this process has been discarded as the law required for the implementation would require fresh public gazette and notices.
As stated by the Law Association of Zambia(LAZ) Bill 10 is dead and government has a duty to comply with court orders.
State House has abandoned talks and negotiations with the OASIS Forum, a key grouping representing the Church, civil society actors and the Law Association of Zambia.
It has become apparent that President Hichilema halted public demonstrations against the Bill and tricked the leadership of the OASIS Forum into talks destined to window-dress his masked intentions to enact Bill 7 into law.
To everyone’s horror, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti appointed a Select Committee and ordered that it starts work and conduct hearings to prepare for Bill 7 to come up for second reading.
It is sad to witness Parliament continuing to act with utter contempt of court by hearing and conducting proceedings for Bill 7.
It must be noted that the Speaker of the National Assembly, her Deputies and members of Parliament have been cited for contempt for discussing a Bill that has been declared illegal and unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
On Friday 5th December Members of the Select Committee; Hon. Garry Nkombo (Mazabuka), Sibeso Sefulo (Mwandi), Brian Kambita (Zambezi East) Emmanuel Banda (Serenje), Sibongile Mwamba (Kasama Central), Mubita Anakoka (Luena), Jacqueline Sabao (Chikankanta), Stanley Kakubo (Kapiri Mposhi), Newton Samakayi (Mwinilunga), Simon Banda (Petauke), Wamunyima Imanga (Nalolo), Misheck Nyambose (Chasefu), Elias Daka( Msanzala), Davies Mungandu (Chama South), and George Kandafula (Serenje), began a hurried process to rush the process of finalizing the Bill before Parliament adjourns sine die.
It clear that President Hichilema is determined to enact and entrench a dictatorship, reverse the democratic dividends so far achieved and attempt to guarantee his rule over Zambia with or without the Will and Consent of Zambians.
This is a dangerous path for our country and well -meaning Zambians and institutions must stand and halt the perilous path President Hichilema is subjecting the country to.
With his detrimental actions against democracy so far witnessed, President Hichilema has become a sole danger to our democracy, is threatening our peace and his actions threaten the stability of our country.
It is also important for the international community, especially those invested in our country using their financial, human and technical resources, to take keen interest in Zambia’s pre-election instability brewing and help to prevent Zambia to be plunged into chaos as recently seen in Mozambique, Tanzania and other parts of Africa and to ensure that the country holds credible, democratic, free and fair elections so that our peace, security, stability and our sincere quest to promote sustainable development, is not disrupted or destroyed.
It is easier to manage pre-election political tensions and threats to peace than handle post-election conflict and violence.
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Chairperson of Information and Publicity
Member of the Central Committee
PATRIOTIC FRONT
The problem is you sir
Useless alarmist parroting from a distance. You are always wishing evil to Zambia why? Nobody needs your input in Zambia’s governance. Stay where you’re and never return. Why demonise your own contry if you’re really Zambian. Its people like you painting Zambia black abroad. One would think Zambia is at war. Just come back and face the law chapwa, not ifya kuvokavoka at a distance.
Iwe chi bwamba,The conditions and circumstances obtaining in the Sahel region,Tanzania and Kenya do not obtain in Zambia,They only exist in your polluted mind.I have read the contents of the Bill 7 and there is nothing whatsoever in it that can instigate civil unrest unless you personally want it to be so.Zambians are rest assured that the defense and security services are not in any way disaffected with the current government but will surely deal severely with you should you try and frighten investors with your stupid irresponsible garbage,Your desperation to return to power must never make you contemptuous of the institutions of governance in Zambia that have been repaired and have since been the envy and respect of other bilateral and multilateral partners
Play your politics with civility,responsibility and patriotism and graciously accept when you are defeated…….Shaaa!!!
Whatever Mwamba smokes, it’s confusing him, he is full of evil and is a very dangerous propagandist. We saw the AI picture of Lubinda he had posted on social media purporting that Lubinda was on oxygen support in hospital when he was just okay. Yesterday he was talking of witchcraft, today he is talking of civil war. What clause in Bill 7 can bring civil war? Please stop interfering with governance issues, you had your time in government and is long gone. Sela tubombeko, we don’t want or need your input, it’s irrelevant to us. What is it to you even if there was a civil war in Zambia? Are you not in USA, just continue staying there, no one is missing you here. Zambians are busy and hard working people, they have no time for fighting. Thinking about civil war is your wishful thinking but it won’t happen, Zambians will disappoint you on that one, our children are enjoying free education and meal allowances which you were denying them. Bring your own children if you want to fight because we shall not allow our children.
Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba,
I have read your article with great concern, but also with a deep sense of disappointment. As a fellow Zambian citizen, not a politician or a cadre, I feel compelled to respond from the perspective of someone who simply wants peace, progress, and a fair chance for my country to succeed.
You speak of civil unrest and draw comparisons to failed states. This is not analysis; it is fear-mongering of the highest order. To suggest that Zambia, with our proud history of peaceful transitions, is on the path of Mozambique or the Sahel simply because you disagree with a legislative process is irresponsible. It insults the intelligence and peace-loving nature of the Zambian people. We are not a nation quick to burn; we are a nation that debates, votes, and moves forward.
You accuse President Hakainde Hichilema of destroying democracy by targeting the PF. But democracy is not the preservation of one political party at all costs. Democracy is about accountability to the law. If the Patriotic Front – PF or any party has cases to answer, let the courts, the same courts you claim are captured, handle them. The rule of law must apply to everyone, the ruling party and the opposition alike. For years, we were told “the law is the law.” That principle cannot change just because the political fortunes have.
On the issue of #Bill7 and the constitutional process: you claim procedures are not being followed, yet Parliament is debating. The Courts have given their opinions, and the process is navigating those. This is democracy in action, messy, contentious, but operating within branches of government. The Speaker and MPs you name are doing the job we elected them to do: debate legislation. To call this “contempt” is to demand that Parliament simply obey one faction’s interpretation without due process. That is not democracy; that is oligarchy.
You mention the economy only to dismiss it. As a citizen, the economy is everything. We lived through empty shelves, crippling debt, and a nation isolated. Let us speak facts: The economy has grown consistently since 2021. For the first time in a generation, our foreign reserves have hit a record $5.2 billion, a shield for our Kwacha. Our national gold reserves are at the highest level in the history of this country, building real wealth for our future. Over 300,000 new jobs have been created since 2021, that’s 300,000 families with better hope and income. And for the first time since the days of KK, rural development is not a slogan but a reality, with farming inputs, roads, and opportunities reaching areas long forgotten.
These are not fancy illusions or political talking points; they are the tangible realities in markets, homes, and farms across Zambia. To ignore this documented progress while prophesying doom is to be utterly out of touch with the daily struggles and genuine victories of ordinary people.
Finally, you talk of a “dangerous stage” and a “sole danger to our democracy.” This is the most dangerous rhetoric of all. You are not a bystander; you are a senior leader of the main opposition. By framing political loss as the end of democracy, you are actively sowing the seeds of the very discord you claim to fear. Democracy is about debate and winning. If you are losing the debate on ideas, on governance, and on economic management, the answer is not to cry dictatorship. The answer is to go back to the drawing board, reconnect with the people, and offer a better vision.
The “spirit of only us” is exactly what has held Zambia back. It is the idea that only one group has the right to rule. The people voted for change in 2021. Allow this government the space to fulfill its promises. Hold them accountable, yes. Challenge them in court and in Parliament, absolutely. But do not threaten our peace because you are losing a political contest.
Zambia is moving forward. The path is not perfect, and the debates are fierce, as they should be. But the alternative you present, a spiral of fear, false comparisons, and predictions of violence, is a path this citizen wants no part in. I choose hope, I choose lawful process, and I choose to believe in the resilience of our nation, not the primitive politics of fear.
Sincerely,
Goodwin Mankomba
A Concerned Zambian Citizen